AN award-winning restaurant has temporarily closed after more than 80 customers developed sickness and diarrhoea and members of staff also fell ill.

The Michelin-starred Star Inn, at Harome, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, has confirmed that its kitchens and dining area are closed as a temporary measure.

Staff are working with health chiefs to resolve the problem.

Jacquie Pern, who runs the restaurant with her husband, respected chef Andrew Pern, said: "We are taking the matter very seriously and are co-operating with the health authorities.

"We look forward to returning to our normal food standard as soon as possible."

More than 80 people are known to have fallen ill after eating at the restaurant between October 18 and 28.

Dr Simon Padfield, consultant in communicable disease control for North Yorkshire and Humber Health Protection Unit, said: "We're working closely with environmental health colleagues at Ryedale District Council to investigate the cause of illness.

"Although tests have confirmed that norovirus is affecting a small number of staff at the restaurant, a common cause of illness affecting diners has not been confirmed."

Noroviruses are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of upset stomach in the UK, affecting up to one million people a year.

The virus is easily transmitted from person to person. It can also be linked to contaminated surfaces or objects, or to consuming contaminated food or drink.